Visa's

Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. It is best to consult with the high commission of the country being travelled to in the country being travelled from as requirements vary and change constantly. Botswana Safaris will not be held responsible for any incomplete or incorrect information regarding the visa process gathered by the traveller.

Why Visit Botswana?

Vast stretches of untouched, un-fenced wilderness with unrivaled game viewing

One of the largest game populations in Southern Africa

Annual zebra migration

The Big Five as well as the rare and endangered African wild dog

Over 600 indigenous bird species

Home to the world’s largest inland delta and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta

The largest elephant herds in the world in Chobe National Park

Over 3 500 San rock paintings at the World Heritage Site of the Tsodilo Hills

Botswana Travel Advice

Botswana is one of the most stable and peaceful countries in Southern Africa but it helps to be aware of your surroundings and keep your possessions close at all times.

Botswana is one of the most stable and peaceful countries in Southern Africa, however it helps to be aware of your surroundings and keep your possessions close at all times. When travelling in the cities, keep your cameras and valuables out of sight.

Botswana is an exclusive destination and government strictly regulates tourism to the country. As a result, park entry prices and commodity prices are higher than elsewhere in Africa. Budget for this; it is absolutely worth it.

Be prepared that the most beautiful destinations in Botswana can be reached by light aircraft only. We are travel experts in Botswana and will help you organise transfers and shuttle flights.

Lodges in the more remote areas of Botswana do not have electricity. These lodges generally rely on generator power for lighting and refrigeration, but this power only runs at critical times of the day. Please be aware that you will not find a plug socket in your room/tent at many of these lodges.

Currency

US dollars are widely accepted; however, notes dated before 2003 are no longer accepted. Also, high denomination notes may not be accepted.

Banking hours at most commercial banks are Monday to Friday from 08h30 to 15h30 and on Saturday from 08h30 to 11h00.

ATMs are found throughout Botswana’s major city centres and shopping complexes.

The currency is the Pula, where BWP1 is made up of 100 thebe. Please check with your hotel for daily exchange rates.

Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express are accepted by most restaurants, shops and hotels. Proof of identity may be requested, so be sure to carry a passport or some form of photo identification at all times. Credit cards are not accepted at petrol stations.

Safety

It is advised you check with your tour operator or hotel concierge - they will know if there are any potentially unsafe areas along your travel route.

It is wise to avoid deserted areas, particularly at night. If you are on a self-drive journey then please ensure your car is locked at all times - park in well-lit, busy areas.

Photography

Please be sensitive when photographing people. Botswana are renowned for being friendly; however it is courteous to ask permission before snapping away.

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) is not allowed in any of the conservation areas we manage until such time as their impact on wildlife and anti-poaching initiatives can be assessed. This rule will apply throughout Africa, as our partners in various countries and regions have adopted a similar stance.

Passport & Visa Requirements

Guests visiting Botswana must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of travel and should have two blank pages available in their passport. It is advisable for visitors who intend travelling to Botswana’s neighbouring countries and back to apply for multiple entry visas.

What the Experts Say

Carry a record of your passport number, airline tickets and travellers cheques, and ensure these are kept in a safe place.

Never leave baggage or luggage unattended.

Some areas in Botswana have malaria, so take precautions. Consult your doctor about the latest anti-malaria precautions.

Each tent includes one pair of Swarovski HD binoculars for complimentary use.

CHILD POLICY

Minimum age is 8 years.

Child rates are applicable for one child aged 15 and younger sharing with two adults in a tent.

Children 16 and older will pay applicable adult rates and be accommodated in a separate tent.

GENERAL NOTES • All city services and ground transfers, conservation/park fees, levies, and air transfers are excluded unless otherwise noted. • Standard Terms and Conditions apply - a copy of which is available on request. • Rates are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such as, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, fuel levies, surcharges, government decree, or items of this nature. • Comprehensive medical and travel insurance is required for all guests travelling to the properties and is a condition of travel and stay.

Great Plains Conservation Child PolicyThese general guidelines apply to all of the Great Plains Conservation properties: • Families at all our camps will be on shared activities with other guests. • The minimum age requirement for walking and canoeing is 12 years in all camps except Selinda Explorers Camp where activities will be adjusted for children 10 years and older. • Children 15 and younger must share a room with at least one adult. • On the Selinda Adventure Trail, children 10 to 15 years (inclusive) are welcome on departures that have been booked on a private basis. This allows the guide and crew to adjust the daily walking and/or canoeing distances to suit the family’s needs. • The child rate is based on a child sharing with two adults (except ol Donyo Lodge, Mara Plains and Selinda Camp family rooms where is is up to two children sharing with two adults). If this configuration is not possible, then it may be that the child will be charged the applicable adult rate. • We evaluate each booking to ensure we deliver the best possible safari experience to all our guests in camp. In some cases, we may need to turn away a family booking in order to do so; we will do everything possible to try and avoid that outcome. • Our camps are located in wildlife zones that are not fenced in and there are no child care facilities in our camps. Parents/guardians must be watchful of and responsible for their children at all times. • Each of our camps has a unique child policy based on the size, location and structure of the camp. Please consult each camp’s rate page for specifics.

NOTES GENERAL NOTES RELATED TO ALL RATES IN THIS MANUAL

ACTIVITY

DUBA EXPLORERS

Day Drives

•

Night Drives

•

Guided Walks

•

Boating

#

Mokoro

#

Canoeing

Main Swimming Pool

Private Plunge Pools

Horseback Riding

Cultural Interaction

*

Hot-Air Ballooning

Spa/Massage

Gym

Fishing (Seasonal)

•

Mountain Biking

Hide

(•) Included in the nightly rate | (*) This activity is available for an additional fee | (#) This activity is water level dependent